🔗 Share this article

How could you accomplish if you had boundless control? That's a core inquiry asked by the best sci-fi and fantasy tales. Imagine if you gained extraordinary powers? Perhaps stumbled upon a life-altering substance? What about each and every single human became wholly committed to your satisfaction? Would you use that influence for the greater good, or would you give in to your darker impulses?

These series featured herein all explore this concept in various manners (with a single notable exclusion). Detailed below is a countdown of the 10 best installments of sci-fi & fantastical television from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Even after more than six decades of stories, the web-slinger is constantly reimagined by fresh talent. This series offers a refreshing perspective at the character's early days, skillfully blending classic source material elements with influences from the broader Marvel universe to create something which is simultaneously new and profoundly engaging.

Instead of operating alone or having Iron Man as a guide, this version of Peter Parker develops a complex relationship with the future Green Goblin, who here is merely the head of Oscorp. Through their interactions, Peter grows into his own man, internalizing the signature mantra of power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's audacious adult musical show, which sprang from a crowdfunded pilot, truly found its footing in its second installment. Following the climactic revelations of the first season, the narrative broadens significantly, centering on the scheming media overlord Vox as he seizes control of the narrative, igniting a chain of ever-more explosive confrontations that naturally end in elaborate musical numbers.

Although it may lack a single viral song on the level of the first season's "Loser, Baby," this is due to each element in this season being increasingly interwoven. The fight sequences, personal arcs, and especially the score and songs are collectively more sophisticated. The season advances the overarching plot forward while delivering plenty of weird, wild, and simply fun dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Following the acclaimed Netflix show, this series faced enormous expectations. Despite well-documented production issues, the resulting show proves it was worthy of the wait. The plot follows Matt Murdock after his dual life as Daredevil is exposed, leaving him vulnerable to foes both history and new threats in a slightly version of his well-known setting.

The first episode is explosive, evoking the gritty tone audiences cherished from the original incarnation. Although the middle chapters explore certain new narrative ground, the first season finishes on a strong note, setting fans eagerly awaiting a second season.

7. Common Side Effects

A surprising this year's gem, this series is essentially an animated Breaking Bad with the humor of King of the Hill. Created by an Adult Swim veteran alongside comedy Steve Hely, the series follows the story of a mild-mannered fungi expert who discovers a miraculous mushroom and quickly finds himself hunted by everyone from ruthless pharmaceutical executives to government authorities.

Far from being a parody, the show unfolds with the serious intensity of a classic conspiracy thriller. Enhanced by hallucinogenic animation and an eerie score, the story delves into bigger questions about the substance's full effects. It's a smart, visually striking, and utterly compelling first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The acclaimed adaptation based on the iconic gaming series came back with a new season of stories that deepened its epic lore and broadened its post-apocalyptic world. Although it travels in the direction of the legendary location of New Vegas, the season is far from a straight retelling of that title; instead, it further explore ideas of control and autonomy.

The show expertly juggles multiple storylines and perspectives, from the protagonist's quest for justice to Maximus's struggle with the dogma of the Brotherhood of Steel. The outcome is a rich detailed and wholly absorbing chapter to the expanding Fallout mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

This visceral and heartfelt animated series keeps its powerful momentum in season 3. The hero confronts immense pressure on every side: training for a looming alien threat, guiding his young brother, and clashing with the shadowy GDA. The season once again includes some of the most intense action sequences the show has yet produced.

The protagonist's physical and psychological endurance are repeatedly tested. He must contend with foes stronger than he is, the aftermath of his actions, and the ethical burden of his decisions. Standout arcs for supporting characters like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a fantastic installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's offbeat anti-hero series came back with elevated significance within the revamped DC universe, and season 2 delivers on that count. Although it successfully lays groundwork for upcoming cinematic universe projects, it also presents a resonant and self-contained {